the 103 powerpack is a great deal, a lot less than what it would cost to build a 96 into a good running 103. we tend to complain about the heat of our twin cam motors. sure, they're an air cooled motor, but the twin cam motors have excellent finning on the barrels and heads so they radiate that motor heat much better, thereby cooling off the engine. they're far more efficient at radiating that engine heat than the evo's and especially the shovels and pans. that's something to take into consideration when your twin cam seems to get hot, it's just because it's doing its job of cooling itself off. you'll notice a difference when you reach between 4 and 5 thousand miles. the new bike will seem to run smoother, have more power, get better fuel mileage, and run cooler. that's been my experience with my past few twin cam bikes, and i attribute it to the fact that all the parts have broken in properly, and all the parts are getting along with each other.

 

In a word NO, mine does not run hot at all. My 2010 Ultra with a 96 ran much hotter. I strongly think it was the lowers but, WTF do I know.

 

Thanks to all for the replies. I have decided to go with the full load including the powerpack.

I thought I had settled on the Streetglide, but now not sure if I will get that, or the Fugly. I swore some time ago that it was the ugliest bike ever made, but the more I look at it, the more I like it.

I will decide this week, and should have a new sedona orange or merlot sunglo bike in my garage this weekend to keep the Deluxe company.

By the way, the wife has been quite supportive of all the new bike talk, and has actually encouraged me to get the full load including the 103. I guess I have a great woman here.

 

My 2010 Heritage does not have ABS (which IMHO is an excellent argument for buying a 2011), but my 2004 BMW does have an excellent ABS system. Don't get me wrong, cause I love both bikes for different reasons, and the BMW definitely has it's issues (Duh!); but I can say from personal experience that absolutely, positively, without a doubt; ABS is easily worth the money. If you get into it (ABS active) even once, you can bet that it just paid for itself and then some. Doing a Panic Stop on the BMW isn't even remotely anything like the drama of a stop at 7/10ths of that deceleration rate on the Harley.

 

I have a 103 & ABS on my 11 FLTRX I don't think you can go wrong with the 103. It has an oil cooler. The ABS really works well. IMO the 103 is the best engine Harley has. That's what the police bikes run.

 

The 103 is what pushed me over the edge to buy new instead of a lightly used 09/10 RKC. Good choice, you won't regret getting the extra displacement.

 

That was such a nice Dyna!

 

103 is the way to go, I just did it.

 

Thanks

I loved it but the Street Glide fits my needs better.

 

I ran the first 1000 miles on the standard engine and at the first service had ordered up the 103 Stage II plus some other items at 20% off and free install. Noticeable difference in power and well worth it. I am mainly in the north so can't say it has ever been a heat issue. Headed for Daytona (from the SC not NY) Friday... screw it let's ride.